The World’s Most Recognizable Attractions

By Jane Pinzhoffer

There are some attractions that need no introduction. That are so recognizable you don’t have to have been there in person to know immediately what and where they are.

Eiffel Tower

It’s hard to envision Paris’ skyline without the Eiffel Tower, but the city’s most recognizable icon was originally intended to be a temporary exhibit at the 1889 World’s Fair and was almost torn down in 1909. Thankfully that didn’t happen due to its value as a radiotelegraph station. Today it’s one of the most distinguishable monuments on the planet and the most visited paid tourist attraction in the world.

Roman Colosseum

A symbol of Rome’s tumultuous history where men and animals fought bloody battles, the colossal Roman Colosseum has a 500 metre circumference and 80 arched entrances that allowed over 50,000 spectators to be seated according to social standing within minutes. Built nearly two thousand years ago, over two-thirds of this amphitheatre has been destroyed, but its epic countenance is still intact.

Niagara Falls

Although there are plenty of taller waterfalls in the world, Niagara is impressive for the amount of water cascading over it; six million cubic feet every minute during high flow. Straddling the Canada-U.S. border, it’s actually comprised of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil and is a valuable source of hydroelectric power. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Niagara Falls is also one of the world’s 7 natural wonders.

The Great Sphinx

The monumental statue of a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human situated on the west bank of the Nile River has been a symbol of Egypt since ancient times. It was carved out of limestone and measures 238 feet from paw to tail and is 66 feet high. It’s one of the world’s largest and oldest statues and part of its allure is the mystery that surrounds who built it, when, and why.

Statue of Liberty

Built to commemorate the friendship between France and the U.S., the Statue of Liberty continues to be an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. Standing just over 151 feet, one of the world’s most recognizable statues depicts a woman in a flowing robe and spiked crown holding a tablet to her body in one hand and a flaming torch high over her head in the other. Since 1886 she has stood on Liberty Island welcoming immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. 354 steps take you to her crown for an exceptional view of New York City’s skyline.

Big Ben

Big Ben actually refers to the massive 13 ton bell inside the clock of the Houses of Parliament, but the nickname usually includes the clock and clock tower as well. It was the world’s largest clock when it was constructed between 1843 and 1858 and is still the largest in Great Britain. Known for its preciseness which has rarely failed, even chiming while the nearby House of Commons was bombed during World War II. This iconic London landmark is especially impressive when the four clock faces are lit up at night.

Great Wall of China

Building of the world’s longest wall started over 2,300 years ago to prevent invaders coming into the Chinese Empire. The most identifiable and best preserved portion was built during the Ming dynasty. Stretching for over 5,500 miles through rugged terrain and steep mountains it remains a powerful symbol of China and is the largest man-made structure ever built.

Stonehenge

This massive stone monument on the Salisbury Plain in England is the most famous prehistoric monument in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stones which measure up to 30 feet tall and weigh an average of 25 tons are from west Wales 140 miles away. No one has been able to determine how they were moved that far when Stonehenge was built 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

Grand Canyon

The awesome mixture of erosional forms and vibrant colour creates a truly overwhelming sight, made even more breathtaking by its massive size. The Grand Canyon is 446 kilometres long, up to 29 kilometres at its widest, and 1.6 kilometres from the rim to the Colorado River which flows through its centre.

Acropolis

Considered the most important relic in the Western world, this ancient citadel can be seen from almost everywhere in Athens. It stands over the city, a symbol of democracy and the beginning of Western civilization, and is considered the greatest of all archaeological sites.

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